Goodnight all!
What a night of drama!
I'm starting to get out of breath, it was a night that had it all, and it seems to have taken it out of me. Maybe I need to start going to the gym...
Jude Bellingham came to the rescue for England in the last minute of stoppage-time to earn Gareth Southgate's side a 2-2 draw against Belgium.
Kobbie Mainoo was the star of the show on his first start at just 18 years old, while Ivan Toney did his Euro 2024 hopes no damage with a fine display that included a goal from the penalty spot - his first for his country,
However, there is no possibility of England facing Wales in an international tournament this year as Poland dumped out Rob Page's side via a penalty shootout in Cardiff.
It was a devastating way to lose a European Championships play-off match, but for Poland, their delight will be there for all to see for a long time.
That's it now for international football until June, now it's time to turn our focus back onto the domestic leagues. Just two months to go until we find out our winners and losers all around the world.
Thank you for following along with me, I will see you on the flip side!
First Wembley goal for golden boy Bellingham
When I watch Jude Bellingham play, it feels like he has been around for years.
Now that Kobbi Mainoo has arrived, it's easy to forget that Bellingham is still only 20 years old.
The Real Madrid player plays with maturity far beyond his years, and tonight his last-minute equaliser showed how imperative he is to the team.
It was actually his first goal at Wembley, his other two for England have been away from home against Scotland and Iran.
I'm sure there will be plenty more where that came from.
SOFASCORE STATS: England 2-2 Belgium
Earlier I said that a draw was a fair result, now I am starting to think I was wrong...
These stats show how dominant England were tonight, but their defensive frailties let them down.
Their problems at the back are becoming a real worry.
Mainoo now a mainstay?
Well, before that whirlwind of a 45 minutes in Cardiff, England grabbed a draw from the clutches of defeat at Wembley against Belgium.
I couldn't leave tonight without touching more on Kobbie Mainoo's performance. What can I say, he was simply brilliant.
I think the 18-year-old could have a strong case to start at the Euros in the summer.
He gets better and better every time I watch him - simply sensational.
What could have been
For just one moment, Wales and their fans believed they had gone 1-0 up before half-time.
However, Ben Davies was deemed to be offside as Kieffer Moor headed the ball across to him - rightfully so.
Football has its highs and lows, fans emotions are thrown all over the place. Unfortunately for Wales, theirs are in the dumps at the moment.
Joe Allen: 'Such a cruel way to end a game'
Joe Allen, ex-Wales midfielder, speaking on Sgorio:
Wales fans stay with players
The Wales fans aren't leaving, even if they are devastated.
They sing once again to console their side, they will be back in the future, and the fans know that.
Football is just beautiful at times, whoever you support.
Poland perfect from the spot
When it mattered at the end, Poland were perfect. Nearly all the spot-kicks were expertly taken, and all went in.
Robert Lewandowski will be leading his country at another major tournament, they are off to Germany!
Wales fall at the final hurdle
Dan James slumps, the stadium falls silent, and Poland celebrate like crazy.
That is devastating. I just had a feeling he would miss, I don't know why, I just did.
This will take some time for Wales to recover from.
POLAND QUALIFY FOR EURO 2024! PENS: Wales 4-5 Poland
Dan James is up, he has to score.
But he doesn't - Wales are out.
PENS: Wales 4-5 Poland
Now it's sudden death.
Piatek is up for Poland and he scores. That's five out of five.
PENS: Wales 4-4 Poland
What a great penalty from Neco Williams, it's 4-4.
PENS: Wales 3-4 Poland
Ward goes the right way but Zalewski's power is too much for him.
PENS: Wales 3-3 Poland
Harry Wilson steps up for Wales... and he scores, just about.
Another penalty that goes straight down the middle.
PENS: Wales 2-3 Poland
Poland are not messing around, Frankowski slams it home.
PENS: Wales 2-2 Poland
Oh my word, Kieffer Moore just about squeezes it in via the crossbar.
PENS: Wales 1-2 Poland
Szymanski is next and he also scores.
Not the most convincing penalty but it flies past Danny Ward, that's all that matters.
PENS: Wales 1-1 Poland
Ben Davies is up for Wales... he scores.
Both captains find the back of the net.
PENS: Wales 0-1 Poland
Robert Lewandowski is up first, you expect him to score - he usually does...
And, he does. He cooly slots it home after a stutter.
'Land of My Fathers' rings around Cardiff City Stadium
The hairs are standing up on the back of my neck.
'Land of My Fathers' is being pelted out by the Wales fans, it is truly inspirational. When they sing it, everybody listens.
Can it inspire their team to victory?
PENALTIES! Wales 0-0 Poland
There goes the whistle!
A penalty shoot-out it is, after 120 minutes of a tight and tense affair at the Cardiff City Stadium.
It's the best way to win, but the worst way to lose. Who will be heading to Germany?
RED CARD: Wales 0-0 Poland (Mepham)
Right at the end, Chris Mepham is shown a second yellow card.
Both have come in extra time, but it looks as though the red card is so late it won't matter.
ONE added minute
It looks like it's going to be penalties, we are just 60 seconds from them.
Or can someone pop up with a goal?
Wales 0-0 Poland
This is so, so tense.
Every time the ball is launched into the Wales area during a Poland attack, the whole stadium holds its breath.
Luckily for them, none of the warnings have come to fruition - it's been one of those games.
SUBSTITUTION: Wales 0-0 Poland
Hmmmm...
Substitute David Brooks is coming off, he only came on in the 84th minute and looked like the freshest player on the pitch - surely it's an injury?
Nathan Broadhead comes on, maybe he is an expert penalty taker, but we aren't there yet...
Wales 0-0 Poland
Not much doing here for either side.
It feels like it's a match destined for penalties, both teams look like they want them.
Watch me eat my words...
EXTRA-TIME SECOND HALF: Wales 0-0 Poland
'Land of My Fathers' is belted out around the stadium, Cardiff is willing Wales on.
Surely that could give them the extra ounce of energy they need, it is such a special song.
Wales will need every song and cheer they can in these next 15 minutes.
EXTRA-TIME HALF-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
Still no goals in this one.
Wales dominated that period of play, but it has to be said, they do look very tired.
It has a feel of a dangerous counter-attack from Poland breaking Wales' hearts - it nearly happened through Jakub Piotrowski.
15 more minutes, and then potential penalties!
Wales 0-0 Poland
Kieffer Moore should be doing better there.
The Ipswich striker pounces on a mishap at the back from Poland, but his effort dribbles into Wojciech Szczesny's hands.
Moore looked gassed, he could barely run...
CHANCE! Wales 0-0 Poland
Poland come very close through Jakub Piotrowski.
It's been Welsh dominance, but they get hit on the counter-attack and Piotrowski bends an effort just inches wide.
That would have been a heartbreaker, but it also would have been a fantastic goal.
However, neither point stands as it went wide.
YELLOW CARD: Wales 0-0 Poland (Mepham)
Yellow card for Chris Mepham and he can have no complaints, he stops a Poland counter-attack.
It's all Wales though, really, they just can't find a decent opening yet!
EXTRA-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
Can Wales get it done with an extra thirty minutes?
I'm sure Poland will have something to say about it, let's see!
FULL-TIME: England 2-2 Belgium
It is the last kick of the game.
Belgium still don't get their win in England and it's because of Jude Bellingham that they haven't.
A draw is probably a fair result in the end, but it looks like Lukebakio's stoppage-time miss proved costly in the end for the visitors.
Gareth Southgate will be happy that they managed to evade two losses in a row, but he will be more pleased with some of the individual performances.
Both Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo showed why they deserved their starts, they were brilliant.
Now we wait until June, over to Cardiff we go!
GOAL!!! England 2-2 Belgium (Bellingham 90+5')
Bellingham with the last kick of the game!
I said he'd been giving it his all, and with his third England goal he has saved them from the clutches of defeat at the death.
James Maddison plays a wonderful cutback into Bellingham who fires it low into the corner.
The let-off inside Wembley is huge - it doesn't feel like a friendly going by that celebration.
FULL-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
Extra-time it is...
The teams can't be separated in this tense affair, and now we have 30 more minutes and the possibility of penalties.
This is so tense!
England 1-2 Belgium
Jude Bellingham has tried his best tonight, but just can't find the back of the net.
He has a go inside the box and forces a corner from his effort, but once again the delivery is poor and it comes to nothing.
That could be that.
England 1-2 Belgium
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:
FOUR added minutes
England have four minutes to find an equaliser.
However, moments after the board goes up Dodi Lukebakio comes very close to sealing the win, but his strike goes over.
England 1-2 Belgium
It's not been a classic Phil Foden performance, if I'm honest.
He can't find an England shirt in the middle as he tries to drag the ball back into the area. Instead, it gets blocked.
We are closing in on stoppage-time now.
England 1-2 Belgium
The substitutions have sucked the life out of the game, it all feels rather flat now.
It looks like England are set to lose two games in a row at Wembley after 20 in a row unbeaten before.
Unless someone pops up with a bit of magic.
SUBSTITUTION: England 1-2 Belgium
A triple change for Belgium.
One of the three coming on is Michy Batshuayi, former Chelsea striker, he comes on for Romelu Lukaku,
Wout Faes and Lois Openda also come onto the pitch.
SUBSTITUTION: England 1-2 Belgium
That was Jarrod Bowen's last action of the night - he doesn't get his goal in the end.
Both Bowen and goalscorer Ivan Toney come off for Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins.
Toney has put in a performance worthy of being rewarded with a ticket to Germany in the summer, what do you all think?
GOOD CHANCE! England 1-2 Belgium
So, so, close to an equaliser.
Phil Foden drags his shot wide from the lefthand side of the area after some brilliant football from Jarrod Bowen.
It was a typical Phil Foden chance, you expected him to put it away - he should have.
Time is running out...
Wales 0-0 Poland
Still no goals in this one.
Both sides have had their chances but it looks like Poland are the more threatening at the moment.
It's very nervy in Cardiff at the moment, can they find a winner?
SUBSTITUTION: England 1-2 Belgium
Just as I say that...
Kobbie Mainoo is coming off, and what a performance he has put in. He has done his Euro 2024 chances a world of good tonight.
James Maddison is coming on for him, it's a big chance for him to do something, but he only has 15 minutes, or so, to do it.
SUBSTITUTION: England 1-2 Belgium
Youri Tielemans night is done, and it has been a really impressive performance from him. He hadn't scored for 15 games internationally before his brace tonight.
Aster Vranckx comes on in his place as does Thomas Meunier fro Arthur Theate.
No signs of movement from the England bench just yet.
YELLOW CARD: England 1-2 Belgium (Gomez)
Joe Gomez is the first player in the book after one too many challenges.
It's a cynical foul as he stops Jeremy Doku on the counter-attack.
England 1-2 Belgium
So close from Kobbie Mainoo!
Firstly, Phil Foden goes down and he believes he should have a penalty. Play then goes on and Jude Bellingham fires it across the area before it lands at the feet of Mainoo.
The midfielder gets a good strike away, but it's brilliantly smothered by Matz Sels, he is keeping Belgium in front at the moment.
that would have capped a brilliant performance from the youngster.
England 1-2 Belgium
A hard chance for Romelu Lukaku and he fires it over the bar.
It went absolutely miles over, it did bobble in front of him in all fairness.
BIG CHANCE! England 1-2 Belgium
It's just not Jarrod Bowen's day so far.
It's some more top football from England as the ball is worked out wide to Joe Gomez before he cuts it back to Bowen.
The West Ham forward manages to get a strong first-time effort off just inside the six-yard box, but it's well saved by Matz Sels.
Surely a goal is coming? I've probably jinxed it again.
SUBSTITUTION: England 1-2 Belgium
A first change for Belgium.
Leandro Troassard is the man coming off and in his place comes Dodi Lukebakio.
I must admit, I didn't hear Trossard's name very often, he is usually a live wire, but not tonight.
England 1-2 Belgium
Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:
England 1-2 Belgium
Joe Gomez does well to only give away a corner.
Jeremy Doku twists and turns as he usually does inside the area, but the Liverpool defender is having none of it and puts it behind.
Nothing comes from the corner.
England 1-2 Belgium
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:
England 1-2 Belgium
More good football from England.
It's a brilliant cross from Joe Gomez to find Jude Bellingham, but the Real Madrid midfielder's header bounces wide.
Could he have done better there?
England 1-2 Belgium
Strong save from Matz Sels to deny Ivan Toney his second of the match.
Toney is always getting involved and this time he is fed down the right side of the box and tries to sneak one inside the near post, but it's a good save.
England have started the second half the better team again.
SECOND HALF!
The second 45 minutes are back underway in both England and Wales.
What do we think will happen then, will England comeback or can Belgium hold on?
And can Wales seal qualification for Euro 2024?
Let's find out!
'Lewis Dunk is struggling at this level'
Oliver Holt, Mail Sport's Chief Sports Writer, at Wembley Stadium:
'Mainoo and Toney very good'
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, is also very impressed with Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.
I agree that Ivan Toney has also been impressive.
Impressive Mainoo
We wondered how Kobbie Mainoo would fare, well, he has answered very clearly - very well.
At 18 years of age the Manchester United midfielder is one of the coolest men, or boys shall I say, in the stadium.
His passing, movement, and link-up play are all excellent. One of the best players on the pitch.
'Davies was offside – marginally, yes, but offside'
Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:
HALF-TIME: England 1-2 Belgium
This has been a very entertaining game.
If I was putting it briefly, England have dominated, but gifted Belgium two opportunities to the visitors which they took with aplomb.
First, it was Jordan Pickford who made a mistake before Youri Tielemans calmly dragged it back across the England keeper.
Ivan Toney then got his first goal for the Three Lions from the spot, before Jarrod Bowen thought he had too with a header- but it was ruled out for offside.
Then after controlling the game, Tielemans put Belgium back in front with a wonderful header from a stunning Romelu Lukaku cross.
England have lots they can be happy about, but they are behind at Wembley.
HALF-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
Well, 0-0 it is.
It has been a tense affair, you can see how much is on the line by how the two teams are playing.
Wales thought they were leading, but the offside flag ruined Ben Davies' celebrations.
It's a shame for them, but will give them confidence going into the second half.
England 1-2 Belgium
A couple of shots from distance from England through Jude Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen, but nothing doing.
They have looked a little flat since going 2-1 behind, they need to get back upbeat again.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Wales 0-0 Poland (Davies)
Ben Davies thinks he has put Wales in front, the Cardiff City Stadium goes bananas, but he is ruled offside.
I originally thought he was onside as Kieffer Moore headed it back across goal for him to nod home, but upon reflection it was offside - even if it was tight.
Either way, that let-off was huge!
THREE added minutes
Three minutes for England to find a goal before half-time.
England 1-2 Belgium
Wembley is very flat now, you can only hear the Belgium fans at the moment.
Although England may be behind on the scoreline, they have still put in a very strong performance.
They just need to keep going and I can see them getting back in this game once again.
England 1-2 Belgium
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium
That's a huge statement Craig - it was a very good goal!
GOAL!!! England 1-2 Belgium (Tielemans 36')
Belgium lead again.
Two mistakes, two goals, and it's Youri Tielemans again. Lewis Dunk overshoots a sliding tackle to let Romelu Lukaku in, but wow, what a cross from the on-loan Roma striker.
He whips in a stunning ball and Tielemans dives like his life depends on it to head home at the back post.
England have been brilliant, but their mistakes are costing them. That said, it was a beautiful goal.
England 1-1 Belgium
It doesn't look like he will give up on getting that first goal though, Craig.
Jarrod Bowen has a go again, but it flies over the bar. I feel he will get his goal today if he continues the way he is playing.
Going by this performance, he strongly staking a claim for a spot on the plane!
England 1-1 Belgium
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium
GOAL DISALLOWED! England 1-1 Belgium
There we go, it has been chalked off.
That is a huge shame for Jarrod Bowen, he looked absolutely delighted.
The fact of the matter is that he was clearly offside as Lewis Dunk headed the ball back across the area.
Either way, it's been a really positive response from England to going behind.
GOAL!!! England 2-1 Belgium (Bowen 27')
Jarrod Bowen scores his first England goal!
Or has he, this looks like it's going to be chalked off, there is a VAR check for offside ongoing.
He does look offside to me.
England 1-1 Belgium
Very nearly an own goal.
In the end, you have to say, it's a brilliant bit of defending to clear it over the bar by Zeno Debast!
It was a brilliant bit of play from England and Jude Bellingham though.
STRONG SAVE! England 1-1 Belgium
Big save from Jordan Pickford.
After some poor football with his feet, he shows why he is England number one.
He strongly palms away Jeremy Doku's stinging strike, it really looked like it was moving.
England then launch a counter-attack only moments later, with Kobbie Mainoo heavily involved again, but Jude Bellingham's strike at the end is blocked.
A great game, this!
England 1-1 Belgium
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium
GOAL!!! England 1-1 Belgium (Toney 17')
He can!
Ivan Toney never misses, does he? Well, he hasn't this time, after a little stutter he cooly slots it into the bottom lefthand corner.
What a moment that is for the Brentford striker on his full England debut, especially after the year he has had.
Jordan Pickford will be relieved, parity is restored.
PENALTY TO ENGLAND!
That's a stonewall penalty.
It's Ivan Toney who is fed through and taken out by Jan Vertonghen, it doesn't get much clearer than that.
Now, can Toney score on his full England debut from the spot?
England 0-1 Belgium
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium
GOAL!!! England 0-1 Belgium (Tielemans 11')
Oh dear, oh dear...
That is an absolute gift. That is a poor error from Jordan Pickford, he tries a drilled pass from the back while wide of his goal - it doesn't work.
The ball bounces straight off Amadou Onana to Youri Tielemans, who drags the ball back across Pickford as he is sprinting across goal.
Not the start, England wanted - couldn't have gone much worse.
SUBSTITUTION: England 0-0 Belgium
Oh no!
It looks like there is another injury amongst the England ranks, and it's John Stones. He slipped on the retreat and must have felt something.
Joe Gomez is coming on in his place, no chances being taken. It took just nine minutes for a player to get injured.
This is bad news for Manchester City too...
England 0-0 Belgium
After a couple of early openings, this game has substantially calmed down.
England have to make sure they don't sink into the pattern that they did on Saturday.
Otherwise, it could be another night of disappointment.
England 0-0 Belgium
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:
England 0-0 Belgium
What a start that would have been.
Jarrod Bowen pings a cross into Ivan Toney, but he volley hits his own arm!
A very bright start.
KICK-OFF
Here we go, we are underway in both London and Cardiff.
For England, it's a chance to show everybody they are still the favourites for Euro 2024, meanwhile, Wales need to win tonight to get there.
What a night we have in store!
Here come England!
Declan Rice leads England out onto the pitch, what a moment for him.
And here are the national anthems. I said it on Saturday, and I'll say it again, I always love this part.
We are just moments away from kick-off!
Strong police presence in Cardiff
Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:
'It feels like Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are playing for one place'
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium
Big chance for Konsa
There was a time when England could have filled a full team with right-backs.
Well, now they are starting a centre-back in that position.
Due to all the injuries, Ezri Konsa's versatility was used on Saturday as he came on against Brazil, and is being used today from the start.
It will stand him in good stead for selection, it's always handy to have someone who can play in multiple positions.
Let's see how he does then, eh?
'Neither Cardiff nor Swansea represented in Rob Page’s side'
Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:
First of many for Mainoo?
As Mail Sport predicted, Kobbie Mainoo gets his first start for England tonight.
After not originally being called up for the squad for this round of fixtures, it's very impressive he has forced his way into the side.
His ceiling is undoubtedly extremely high, and tonight could be the first start in a long international career.
He certainly looks happy!
Three Lions getting ready to go
Warm-ups have begun at Wembley.
It is sure to be a very important few hours for all of the players on that pitch right now, and even some that aren't on it.
I wonder if any nerves are jangling?
How will Poland's managerial merry-go-round affect them?
Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:
High spirits in the Wales camp
It doesn't look like these lads are feeling the pressure.
If they can handle it like it looks like they will from these photos, it could be a great night for Wales.
Should Toney have a place on the plane?
As you can see, the question over if Ivan Toney should be in the Euro 2024 squad this summer is doing the rounds.
I want to know what you all think, should Toney be there in Germany come June?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
'Interesting to see how Toney leads the line'
Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:
'This feels like a make-or-break night for Ivan Toney's Euros hopes'
Oliver Holt, Mail Sport's Chief Sports Writer, at Wembley Stadium:
Injuries birth new opportunities
As Gareth Southgate has said, England have an ‘incredible number’ of players unavailable through injury.
The Three Lions are missing the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker, who are all more than likely to be starters if fit in the summer.
Southgate is also without the talent of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Sam Johnstone, so more and more new players are getting their chances - as seen with the five changes tonight.
Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are getting their go tonight, but so is Ezri Konsa who also makes his full debut.
It’s a big chance for non-regulars to stake their place for a spot on the plane to Germany.
Toney’s big audition
This could turn out to be a massive night for Ivan Toney’s England career.
Toney missed out on the World Cup in Qatar, and not long after served an eight-month suspension for breaking betting rules.
The Brentford striker has only has one cap for the Three Lions to his name, which came a year ago against Ukraine, and this will be his first start in England colours.
There are many questions over who should play Harry Kane’s understudy at Euro 2023, with the fight seemingly between Ollie Watkins and Toney.
So, can he grab the opportunity with both hands tonight?
Poland Team News - Lewandowski up top
We wouldn't expect anything else, would we?
Robert Lewandowski, the main man for Poland, captains the side, as Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal defender, also starts for Poland.
This team will be looking to ignore the atmosphere tonight and break Wales' hearts.
Wales Line-up - Moore STARTS
Some big team news for Wales, Kieffer Moore comes into the side replacing David Brooks.
Aaron Ramsey does make the squad, but is not fit enough to play from the start.
Robert Page was obviously happy with his team from Saturday, with Moore being the only change.
Belgium Starting XI - Captain Lukaku
Plenty of Premier League names to look out for in this side.
Domenico Tedesco has made seven changes to the side that drew 0-0 to Ireland, with Romelu Lukaku coming in to captain the side.
Can this team do damage to England?
England Team News - Mainoo STARTS
There it is, confirmation that both Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney will make their first starts for England tonight.
Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, and Jarrod Bowen, follow them into the line-up as Gareth Southgate makes five changes from the side that lost to Brazil on Saturday.
A big night in store!
Wales’ thumping semi-final victory
Let's look at how Wales made it to the play-off finals then.
It was a fairly easy night in Cardiff on Saturday as Wales swept aside Finland 4-1.
David Brooks and Neco Williams put Wales two goals to the good before Teemu Pukki pulled one back for the visitors on the stroke of half-time.
However, it took just 90 seconds into the second period for Wales to restore their two-goal lead through Brennan Johnson.
Dan James then sealed a magical night for the Welsh off the bench.
Surely, that will give them huge confidence going into tonight, they are just one step away from Euro 2024.
The Three Lions’ bogey team
When I think of England facing Belgium, I don’t normally think of victory for the Three Lions.
Historically England have a very good record against Belgium, winning 16 of their 25 meetings, however, they have not fared so well in recent times losing three of the last four of them.
The one anomaly from the last four came in October 2020, as they came out 2-1 at Wembley. Although, those two goals are the only ones England have scored in their last four meetings with Belgium.
Not great stats I must say…
England are in the building
So, we know Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are set to start tonight, but who else are we likely to see?
I suspect Gareth Southgate will put out a very strong 11, it's their last chance to show what they've got before June!
No names on England kit in second half
England will arise from the tunnel after half-time with no names on the back of their shirts.
What is the reason for this? Well, it is for a great cause. Tonight’s match is devoted to Alzheimer's Society because of the charity’s partnership with the Football Association.
This is the second occasion England have decided to do this and the reason behind the nameless shirts is to bring ‘attention to how people with dementia lose precious memories’ including forgetting their favourite football players' names.
The shirts in question will be the new England away strip, which is being played in for the first time.
Mainoo and Toney in line to start
I mentioned earlier that there would be some possible changes, and there are two that stand out.
It has been reported by Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, that both Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are set to be given their chance from the start tonight.
18-year-old Mainoo made his international debut in the loss to Brazil with a short cameo from the bench, but now is a chance to see what he can do in a Three Lins shirt.
Toney did not come on against Brazil, but after Ollie Watkins failed to make an impression, he is set to be given a chance to stake his claim for a Euro 2024 spot.
It’s exciting times for England that with all the absentees at the moment, they can still bring in two players of real quality into the fold.
It’s a huge opportunity for both of them.
What Wales and Poland are fighting for
While tonight is huge for both Wales and Poland, it could only be the start of a very tough run in the Euros this summer.
Whoever does get through tonight will not have it easy in Germany. The winner of tonight’s match will end up in group D, and these are the sides they are fighting to face:
Can Wales fill that spot?
Declan Rice set to captain England for 50th Cap
Life really moves fast, doesn’t it?
It feels like just yesterday Declan Rice was given his first England call-up, snubbing Ireland in the process after making three caps in green (sorry to bring that up Ireland fans).
However, that is now five years in the past and Rice is set to step out onto the grass in England colours for the 50th time. To make things even more special, it has already been confirmed he will be captain in the absence of Harry Kane.
It’s fair to say the Arsenal midfielder is over the moon about it all, in the pre-match press conference, he said:
The stage is set in Cardiff
The moment ‘Land of My Fathers’ begins at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight; the Wales players will feel the unwavering support of their fans in a way that not many will have felt before.
After moving on from the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, the new generation of Wales players are looking to ensure their country reaches a third European Championships in a row.
Standing in their way, Poland, who with Robert Lewandowski leading the line can cause anybody problems.
I remember the atmosphere when Wales beat Ukraine in 2022 to seal their place at the Qatar World Cup later in the same year, and if tonight is anything like that, we are in for one hell of a match.
Get your seatbelts at the ready, it’s going to be a crazy ride.
Can England bounce back?
England’s build-up to the European Championships this summer did not get off to the best start on Saturday.
The Three Lions, who are arguably favourites for the competition in Germany, got a slap of reality when Endrick netted an 80th-minute winner for Brazil to end England’s 20-match Wembley unbeaten streak.
Well, tonight they return to the national stadium to face off against Belgium in their final match until June.
Facing the Red Devils has not always brought the fondest of memories for England in recent years, but this evening is a chance for Gareth Southgate’s injury-hit side to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Last time out, I predicted lots of goals and we got one, so maybe I should keep my lips sealed tonight…
Good evening!
Welcome, or croeso for our Welsh fans following along.
We have a huge night of international football in store for you, and it is the last one until Euro 2024 preparations come to a head in June.
Gareth Southgate is set to make some big changes as England seek to recover from Saturday’s loss to Brazil with victory over Belgium.
Meanwhile, Wales have a mammoth day in store as they face Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off finals tonight for a spot in Germany this summer.
With it being such a massive day for some of our home nations, we will keep you up to date with the ongoings in both London and Cardiff.
While international football outside of major competitions doesn’t always get a lot of love, days like these are simply great to cover.
I can’t wait any longer, so let’s get going!
Key Updates
SOFASCORE STATS: England 2-2 Belgium
POLAND QUALIFY FOR EURO 2024! PENS: Wales 4-5 Poland
EXTRA-TIME SECOND HALF: Wales 0-0 Poland
EXTRA-TIME HALF-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
EXTRA-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
FULL-TIME: England 2-2 Belgium
GOAL!!! England 2-2 Belgium (Bellingham 90+5')
FULL-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
HALF-TIME: England 1-2 Belgium
HALF-TIME: Wales 0-0 Poland
GOAL DISALLOWED! Wales 0-0 Poland (Davies)
GOAL!!! England 1-2 Belgium (Tielemans 36')
GOAL!!! England 1-1 Belgium (Toney 17')
GOAL!!! England 0-1 Belgium (Tielemans 11')
Poland Team News - Lewandowski up top
Wales Line-up - Moore STARTS
Belgium Starting XI - Captain Lukaku
England Team News - Mainoo STARTS
TOP STORIES
- Wales 0-0 Poland (4-5 pens): Euro 2024 qualifying ends in heartbreak for Rob Page's men as they lose on penalties in Cardiff... with former Man United winger Dan James seeing his spot-kick saved
- What England No 2 Steve Holland 'said to Ben White at Qatar World Cup in front of team-mates'... which 'eventually led to the Arsenal defender withdrawing from international football'
- Man City star Jeremy Doku breaks silence over his controversial high tackle on Alexis Mac Allister... and admits he was worried Michael Oliver would award Liverpool a last-minute penalty
- Jude Bellingham praises 'brilliant' England newcomers after Kobbie Mainoo impresses in draw against Belgium... while Gareth Southgate says he 'can't believe how young' Man United star is
- Cristiano Ronaldo fumes as he leaves the pitch following Portugal's 2-0 loss away to Slovenia, as goals from Adam Cerin and Timi Elsnik end Roberto Martinez's 11 game winning streak
- Eagle-eyed fans spot evidence of the toll Rob Green's 20-year goalkeeping career took on the former England No 1 and Channel 4 pundit
- Aston Villa fans joke that Youri Tielemans 'can't buy a start' for the club, but was scoring for free with Belgium, netting twice in the first-half against England
- England 2-2 Belgium: Jude Bellingham rescues last-gasp draw for Three Lions after Youri Tielemans double threatened to condemn Gareth Southgate's men to successive defeats
- It's a FARCE that relegated Wales could get a back-door route to Euro 2024 after a limp Nations League campaign, argue the It's All Kicking Off co-hosts... as Rob Page's men prepare for crucial Poland clash
- Ivan Toney should make England's Euros squad because he 'can handle the pressure', insists Joe Cole as the Brentford star holds his nerve to open his account from the penalty spot
- Poland, Ukraine and Georgia seal play-off victories to book their places at Euro 2024 as 24-team line-up and groups for tournament in Germany are confirmed
- THE NOTEBOOK: Wales field NO players from the country's biggest clubs, home fans mock Robert Lewandowski in fervent atmosphere, and Connor Roberts leans on invincible moustache for good luck
- Former England and Liverpool defender thinks the Reds should consider replacing Jurgen Klopp with Gareth Southgate 'if he's available' after the Euros this summer
- Jordan Pickford's mistake gifts Belgium opening goal against England as Youri Tielemans punishes goalkeeper's clearance labelled by former Three Lions No 1 as a 'horrible strike'
- Liverpool legend claims Reds should SELL Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid because Conor Bradley is a 'miles better defender'
- John Stones goes off injured minutes into England's clash with Belgium just days before Man City face Arsenal in a title clash... as Gareth Southgate defends decision to start him again
- Zinedine Zidane hails 'spectacular' Jude Bellingham after using his locker for Real Madrid Legends' clash against Porto Legends - adding that the Spanish giants are 'lucky to have him'
- PLAYER RATINGS: Kobbie Mainoo and Jarrod Bowen make England's Euro 2024 squad on this evidence as Ivan Toney edges ahead of Ollie Watkins… but one Premier League star has struggled to step up
- England U21 7-0 Luxembourg U21: Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers and Samuel Iling-Junior score twice in rout as Lee Carsley's men stay on course for Euro 2025 qualification
- Ben White pictured back in Arsenal training after snubbing Gareth Southgate's England call-up... as Gunners get to work ahead of crunch match with title rivals Manchester City
- Cristiano Ronaldo look away now! Thierry Henry pipped by a team-mate! And where does Lionel Messi rank among the greats? OLIVER HOLT's definitive 100 greatest footballers - so who comes out on top and do you agree?
- Jeff Stelling SLAMS Ben White after his wife, Milly Adams, shares holiday snap on the day England lost to Brazil... with Arsenal star making himself unavailable for Three Lions selection
- How Kobbie Mainoo is fulfilling the 'Paul Scholes thesis': Man United's 18-year-old will start for England at the Euros if Gareth Southgate picks based on form, writes IAN LADYMAN
- The disease screening experts recommend at every age to catch cancer early like Princess Kate
- IAN HERBERT: Rob Page has plenty of questions to answer after penalty shootout heartbreak... with the talent at his disposal Wales should not have needed a playoff to qualify for the Euros
- Man City's defensive headache deepens ahead of Arsenal showdown as another first-team star is injured on international duty - with Kyle Walker and John Stones also doubts
- As David Beckham buys Victoria a knee scooter complete with a 'wine basket', how she's desperate to win the race to be fit for her 50th birthday bash... and the special meaning behind his gift
- Andy Robertson injured on international duty for Scotland AGAIN as Liverpool star holds ankle in pain - after shoulder blow in October ruled him out for three months
- A chink of light for Everton after years of scandalous decline... and dismal 777's record suggests they should be nowhere near, writes IAN HERBERT
- The Premier League of SHAME: List of football clubs with most fans arrested and banned is revealed, with Man United top... so where does YOUR club place?
- Sport shops revolt over Nike's England football kit fiasco: Stores start selling iron-on St George's cross to cover 'woke' flag on the back of Three Lions' new strip - with grandmother's also stepping in to fix hated collar motif
- Nike will not be moved: Sportswear firm says 'it was never our intention to offend' England fans with new kit - but stands by claim hated strip 'celebrates the heroes of 1966' - as Harvey Elliott hides 'woke' St George's flag by turning up his collar
- Royal Television Society Awards: Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter gives an emotional speech as she accepts accolade on her mother's behalf: 'It infuriates me that she can't be here, her health doesn't allow it'
- FA chief who approved the controversial changes to the St George's flag on England's new home Nike kit left his role LAST YEAR - and is now working for Six Nations Rugby
- Greece and Georgia's Euro 2024 qualifier descends into anarchy with mass melee after challenge on Premier League target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia... as an iconic goalkeeper and coaching staff are sent off!
- Wales players rally around Dan James after his penalty miss ended their Euro 2024 dream... with boss Rob Page insisting team can come back stronger from 'cruel' defeat
- Thousands of England fans are banned from travelling to Euro 2024 in Germany as the Government bids to clamp down on football hooligans
- Fan's tweet from 2016 hailing 11-year-old Kobbie Mainoo goes viral after he earns his first England call-up... with people online joking the supporter should become Man United's director of football
- England boss Sarina Wiegman labels new home kit 'very beautiful' after Nike's modified St George's Cross was slammed by critics as 'woke' and 'dumb'... as the Lionesses' prepare for Euro 2025 qualifiers
- Mykhailo Mudryk becomes national hero as the Chelsea star gets Ukraine's 84th-minute winner to send them to Euro 2024 at the expense of Iceland
- Chelsea fans hail Romelu Lukaku's star assist for Belgium against England and tell Mauricio Pochettino to give forgotten Blues star 'another spin' at Stamford Bridge
- Inside Domenico Tedesco's new-look Belgium: Jeremy Doku, Man United target Lois Openda and Johan Bakayoko are the new stars - but Golden Generation veteran Romelu Lukaku is still going strong
- Life expectancy for Britain's pandemic babies plummets: Children born at the height of the Covid outbreak in 2020 and 2022 will live almost a year less than those born a decade earlier
- Ben White's wife Milly Adams shares holiday snap of the couple playing Uno on the beach in Dubai on the day of England's Wembley defeat by Brazil - after Arsenal star refused call-up
- Everton fans can't win, it's wretched owner Farhad Moshiri or a takeover by USA failures 777 Partners... while Oliver Holt explains why England fans should be full of hope heading into Euro 2024: Get the best of Mail+ Sport
- Not my flag! England boss Gareth Southgate reveals he isn't a fan of their controversial new Nike home kit - admitting he is a 'little bit lost' with the Three Lions' colour change of the St George's Cross
- Fans are left BAFFLED by Florian Wirtz after he reveals who his footballing idol is... as they claim the Germany and Bayer Leverkusen star is 'already a miles better' player
- Gareth Southgate reveals why Marcus Rashford didn't play against Belgium... as the Three Lions boss explains the Man United forward's absence WASN'T due to injury
- Kate Abdo's boxing trainer boyfriend breaks silence on 'obnoxious' Jamie Carragher's awkward joke about her being 'not loyal' live on TV - and threatens to 'show up physically' after pundit 'irritated' her
- Jon Jones' ONLY professional defeat, Wes Sims stamping on Frank Mir and Petr Yan's illegal knee strike on Aljamain Sterling... the worst DQs in UFC history after Igor Severino was disqualified for BITING Andre Lima
- Aryna Sabalenka steps out at Miami Open following death of ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in 'apparent suicide' - with world No 2 beating close friend Paula Badosa after rain delays
- Former Chelsea star 'files for DIVORCE after finding out the two children he raised were fathered by his wife's ex'
- Tyson Fury shares a glimpse of his unappetising chicken, rice and salad lunch, as his nutritionist reveals details of the diet which has helped him to his remarkable body transformation
- Revealed: Incredible damage Marcus Rashford car crash did to his £700,000 Rolls Royce is laid bare by a YouTuber who bought it at cut-price- after Man United star ditched car with just 1,000 miles on the clock
- Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has played just 20 minutes for England... and he's ALREADY claimed an honour before 80-cap legend Gary Lineker!
- Man United WILL be allowed to play in Europe next season even if Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice qualify for the Europa League, despite UEFA's restrictions on multi-club ownership
- Les Ferdinand reveals how he became a licenced helicopter pilot after the Premier League icon passed his test when playing for Tottenham
- CHRIS FOY: Danny Care is an England centurion who served with great distinction and deserves all the tributes and affection now - he exudes joy and the scrum-half's passion to play embodies what fans want to see
- Former China Football Federation president is sentenced to LIFE in prison as Chen Xuyuan is convicted of bribery as part of nation's crackdown on corruption in sport
- Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his new £2m Ferrari, the latest addition to his £18m supercar collection, as the star parades the 'spaceship' in Portugal while on international duty
- Andros Townsend claims Everton and Nottingham Forest's points deductions 'make a MOCKERY of the Premier League'... and opens up on the psychological difficulties they add to the relegation battle
- Spain 3-3 Brazil: West Ham star Lucas Paqueta salvages a draw for the visitors with penalty in added time... after Man City's Rodri scored a brace to give hosts late lead at the Bernabeu
- Rangers slam 'homophobic' and 'misogynistic' comments made by Joey Barton following their Sky Sports Cup final... after former Ibrox midfielder mocked Partick Thistle's teenage goalkeeper Ava Easdon on social media
- Scotland's experienced heads looked devoid of confidence against Michael O'Neill's youthful Northern Ireland side... Steve Clarke may have credit in the bank but he's not beyond criticism
- Tragedy for Mick Fanning as his brother Edward dies - with the surfing legend losing his third sibling in the last 25 years
- Germany star Antonio Rudiger and the German Football Association take legal action after the devout Muslim is linked with terrorist organisation by former BILD editor
- NFL owners pass RADICAL rule change ahead of next season
- Shame on Joey Barton and his 2.8m lapdogs for mocking a 17-year-old kid, writes ALISON McCONNELL. His nasty nature has brutally exposed her to the very worst elements of playing football
- Tiger Woods celebrates with his son Charlie as 15-year-old receives high school state championship ring... days before dad is expected to make much anticipated return at The Masters
- Jim Harbaugh reveals he's been living alone in an RV since landing the Los Angeles Chargers job - which pays him $16m-a-year - in January: 'It's been great. I've always wanted to do it'
- Joey Barton doubles down in attack on 17-year-old female goalkeeper - even as her former kickboxer world champ dad backs calls for a charity boxing fight - as he asks Sky Sports to take women's football off-air
- Diogo Dalot SNUBS team-mate Andre Onana as he names the goalkeeper who he feels will become the 'best in the world'... after they were previously linked with a move to Man United
- Ecuador threaten to axe senior stars after they took £17m Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez, 16, to New York strip club, where a team-mate threw cash at strippers hours before a game while partying with £115m Moises Caicedo
- Andy Reid takes American chef Guy Fieri to his favorite Kansas City sandwich shop as the Chiefs coach gets stuck into some burgers on the Food Network
- Tim Tszyu's complicated relationship with his legendary dad Kostya takes a turn just days before his world title fight
- Brittany Mahomes reveals husband Patrick eats 10 ice creams A NIGHT as quarterback continues to enjoy his offseason after Chiefs' Super Bowl win
- Damian Lillard SLAMS referees after Iowa beats West Virginia in March Madness... fueling conspiracy theories as fans accuse NCAA of rigging game to ensure star Caitlin Clark stays in
- Kylie Jenner 'is NOT dating UNC shooting guard Paxson Wojcik,' his agent confirms after the college basketball player hinted reality TV star was in his DMs during March Madness
- France boss Didier Deschamps doesn't hold back in his criticism of William Saliba as he explains why the Arsenal defender is not a regular starter for Les Bleus
- Washington Post's piece on LSU basketball coach Kim Mulkey will be '100 per cent accurate', says former columnist Tony Kornheiser after she vowed to SUE over rumored 'false' story in the works
- MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Kobbie Mainoo in line for Nando's sponsorship deal, Tyrell Malacia mystery is solved and Jonny Evans isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'plots first summer signing' as Man United 'intensify contact' with Brazilian star amid competition from Premier League rivals
- Olivia Dunne reunites with boyfriend Paul Skenes after his spring training camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates and her SEC Championship victory with LSU
- Fake clip claiming to show Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce falling off a romantic swing in the Bahamas racks up 8 MILLION views on social media - after couple were snapped enjoying loved-up beach day during Caribbean trip
- Man United 'want talks with Wolves boss Gary O'Neil over role in potential new coaching set-up at Old Trafford'... as Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes shock swoop following the Englishman's impressive season at Molineux
- Adam Sandler fuels Happy Gilmore 2 rumors by telling Dan Patrick that he is 'working on a script' for sequel to iconic golf movie - and the former SportsCenter host will play himself: 'You're in it, bro. You play you'
- Mick Fanning breaks his silence following his brother Edward's sudden death in Madagascar
- France World Cup winner SLAMS Didier Deschamps for snubbing Arsenal star and 'best defender in the world' William Saliba
- Xabi Alonso has 'decided to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool', claims Richard Keys... but beIN Sports presenter warns that the deal could still fall through
- Kyle Walker names David Silva and a forgotten Tottenham star as the best he's played with - as Man City defender says his old Spurs team-mate had 'stupid talent' and would 'one million per cent' be able to shine at the Etihad
- Newcastle striker Alexander Isak drops major hint over potential summer move - as Arsenal target admits 'if things show up, things can happen' during the transfer window
- Newcastle United 'plot £120m swoop for centre-back pair' ahead of the summer window... as Eddie Howe looks to fix the Magpies' leaky defence this season
- Revealed: Which sides have played the most games at the new Wembley... former tenants Tottenham lead the Premier League pack, while five teams have NEVER featured at the ground
- Former Chelsea player names the two reasons for divorcing his wife, after he discovered their twin children 'were fathered by her previous husband'
- Former Man United and Barcelona star Gerard Pique delivers his verdict on the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after sharing a pitch with the two legends
- Malcolm Butler, Super Bowl XLIX hero, 'arrested for drunk driving in Rhode Island', telling police 'just take me to jail' - just six days after the former Patriots cornerback announced his retirement from the NFL
- Alleged Diddy associate arrested on drug charges is a former Syracuse basketball player... Brendan Paul, 25, is detained as police raided rapper's homes as part of sex trafficking investigation
- Jets star Sauce Gardner claims Jewish people 'run the world' as cornerback sparks outrage with anti-Semitic remark on Adin Ross' live stream